Overview
Ferula tingitana is a perennial herb in the genus Ferula, part of the Apiaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Ferula tingitana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is native to Portugal Continental.
About the genus
Ferula is a genus of about 220 species of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, native to the Mediterranean region east to central Asia, mostly growing in arid climates. Many plants of this genus, especially F. communis, are referred to as "giant fennel", although they are not fennel in the strict sense.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ferula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ferula
In the garden
Ferula tingitana is a perennial herb in the Apiaceae genus Ferula, native to continental Portugal. Plants develop upright stems to around 2.0 m, making it one of the taller herbaceous perennials in Mediterranean-derived planting schemes. Flowering occurs June to August in the UK, providing a summer display above lower-growing plants. Choose a site with full sun and good drainage; soils may be sandy, loamy or clay provided they do not remain waterlogged. The species will tolerate moist but well‑drained conditions, so avoid heavy, compacted wet hollows. Hardiness is H4 (average), and it is also recorded for USDA zones 8–11, so it suits gardens where winters are not extremely severe. Allow space for its height by planting at the rear of a sunny border or within gravel and Mediterranean-style beds where taller stems carry summer blooms above smaller perennials. Keep soil free-draining and give it a sunny aspect; the 2.0 m stature makes it useful as a tall architectural herb that can frame lower planting and provide summer vertical structure.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ferula
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Ferula tingitana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herb
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Native to
- Portugal Continental
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ferula tingitana?
Ferula tingitana prefers full sun.
What soil does Ferula tingitana need?
Ferula tingitana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Ferula tingitana grow?
Ferula tingitana reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Ferula tingitana hardy in the UK?
Ferula tingitana has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.